One less player at the table
October 14th, 2008By Paul Gagnon, Director, North American TV Research
I like to play poker. And though I have never participated in a tournament, I have watched a few on TV. Ironic then that I view the TV industry as something of a poker game, and we’re getting to later and later rounds. The analogy isn’t too far off, as in the initial rounds many players can buy their way in, as quite a few companies did during the explosive growth years in the flat panel TV business. But as we get to later rounds some players either go bust, as Syntax-Brillian did a few months ago, or the more risk averse pull out of the game, as Philips did (though not entirely).
The latest player to withdraw is Audiovox. And while not large player, it is certainly one that has been participating for a few rounds now. I expect we will continue to see some more companies count their dwindling chips and walk away from the table, and others may choose to try their hand at it, like GE. Overall, as we get into later rounds, the stakes get higher and the winners stand to win bigger hands … though maybe not right now.
Stayed tuned to see what the next hand brings.
